Ford Explorer vs Lincoln Navigator
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 19 mpg for the Lincoln Navigator, a 9 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Ford Explorer leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2026
Ford Explorer
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 102 configurations
2015–2027
Lincoln Navigator
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD · 35 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Ford Explorer | Lincoln Navigator |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 28 mpg ✓ | 19 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 27 mpg ✓ | 17 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 29 mpg ✓ | 23 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $2,200 ✓ | $3,250 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 322 g/mi ✓ | 462 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start | SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start |
| Transmissions | Automatic (S10), Automatic 10-spd, Automatic (S6) | Automatic (S10), Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrains | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular, Gasoline or E85 | Regular |
| EPA class | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2026 | 2015–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 102 | 35 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Explorer vs Navigator: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Ford Explorer or the Lincoln Navigator?
The Ford Explorer is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 28 mpg combined versus 19 mpg for the Lincoln Navigator, a 9 mpg advantage and costs about $1,050 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Ford Explorer runs about $2,200 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $3,250 for the Lincoln Navigator — a difference of roughly $1,050 per year.
What engines do the Explorer and Navigator offer?
Ford Explorer: SIDI, SIDI & PFI, SIDI & PFI; FFV, SIDI; Stop-Start. Lincoln Navigator: SIDI & PFI, SIDI, SIDI; Stop-Start.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
The EPA classifies the Ford Explorer as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD and the Lincoln Navigator as Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, so they aren't a like-for-like match on size.
More Explorer comparisons
Comparison id: ford-explorer-vs-lincoln-navigator